9
9
0
The end is near. Just over a year out from retiring from the army and I've never felt so lost. One day my boss asked me, "What are your plans after the army?". I never really gave it any serious thought, so I replied ,"I don't know, I wanted to be a tanker since I was a kid and it never really dawned me I'd have to grow up some day."
Many friends and mentors have retired and as time passes, the number of soldiers on active duty that shared the same experiences with me steadily declines. In a way it's depressing to know that what has defined me and my role for decades will come to an end. I also feel that I'm not the first to have some anxiety about leaving. The last civilian job I had was over 20 years ago.
The issue at hand is now I will have the opportunity to move on, but what would I enjoy doing? People spend a lifetime working in a job they don't like because they have to. I've worked my dream (or nightmare) job for decades and I'd do it all again (well except recruiting, the army can keep that).
I pose this question to retirees, how long did it take you after transition to feel like you've de-militarized yourself, assimilated into the civilian world, and found an occupation that fit. I'm open to advice.
Many friends and mentors have retired and as time passes, the number of soldiers on active duty that shared the same experiences with me steadily declines. In a way it's depressing to know that what has defined me and my role for decades will come to an end. I also feel that I'm not the first to have some anxiety about leaving. The last civilian job I had was over 20 years ago.
The issue at hand is now I will have the opportunity to move on, but what would I enjoy doing? People spend a lifetime working in a job they don't like because they have to. I've worked my dream (or nightmare) job for decades and I'd do it all again (well except recruiting, the army can keep that).
I pose this question to retirees, how long did it take you after transition to feel like you've de-militarized yourself, assimilated into the civilian world, and found an occupation that fit. I'm open to advice.
8 Misconceptions About Life After The Military
Posted from taskandpurpose.com
Retirement
Tanker
Military Life
Civilian Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
7
7
0
You'll learn another way of living. You'll find another way of earning a living. You'll take responsibility for yourself and flourish. However, you'll never replace the comfort of being a part of the family. Find other veterans and retirees. Hang out with them. It helps.
(7)
(0)
5
5
0
If your income and family can handle it, I suggest that it's not too late to get a degree. My friend got out at 39 years old, abandoned his MOS experience, and is currently pursuing a mechanical engineering degree from scratch. I chose a degree that builds on my MOS. I've met some veterans who are approaching their second retirement as professors, deans, and such. I hang out with vets at the campus VA office between classes.
(5)
(0)
4
4
0
I'm not and probably will never be "demilitarized". I do try to make it a mission to adapt well, be a good Veteran's ambassador, and learn about the civilian workplace expectations. My suggestion would be to find a way to interface directly with contractors as your primary duty during your last year. They may influence you. Call it "civilian basic training".
(4)
(0)
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